GLAAD released its annual “Where We Are on TV” report and it looks like Fox has edged out ABC as the network with the most gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters. What’s surprising is that fact is being heralded by notoriously right-wing media outlets Fox News and the New York Post.
Well, not so surprising since Australian tycoon Rupert Murdoch’s NewsCorp owns all three.
Synergy trumps politics every time.
As the Post reports:
Fox has the most gay characters on TV—overtaking ABC for the first time in six years.
But, overall, the number of gay characters on broadcast TV is down after last season’s “significant increase,” according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation’s annual “Where We Are on TV” report.
The GLAAD report, which keeps tabs on the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender characters in prime time, also covers cable—which has retained its number of gay characters. The study also divides gay characters into series regulars, supporting characters and recurring characters.
Broadcast leader Fox features eight gay characters, according to the report, including animated characters Waylon Smithers on “The Simpsons” and Terry and Greg on “American Dad” to “Glee’s” Blaine, Kurt and Brittany.”
Dave
Well, of course they’re making a big deal out of it. “We have gay characters!” is the media equivalent of “I can’t be a homophobe! I have gay friends!”
Skeloric
@Dave: Damn, that makes sense.
I still refuse to watch anything under the FOX label however.
the crustybastard
@Skeloric:
That’s a shame. FX’s “Archer” and “Wilfred” are, by far, the funniest goddam things on TV.
Jim in St Louis
Interesting. So what is your analysis of why? Is Fox truly ‘gay friendly’- whatever that means?
btseven
While I may watch programs on Fox, it’s that drivel they call news I won’t watch.